King James Version

What Does Acts 10:43 Mean?

Acts 10:43 in the King James Version says “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 10:43 · KJV


Context

41

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins—Peter's sermon climax unifies Old Testament witness: all prophets testified to Christ's saving work. The phrase 'through his name' (διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ) emphasizes Christ's authority and person as salvation's sole ground. Whosoever believeth (πάντα τὸν πιστεύοντα) includes Gentiles—radical claim confirmed moments later by the Spirit falling on uncircumcised hearers (v.44). Remission of sins (ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν) applies Joel's covenant promise (2:32) universally. Faith, not ethnic identity or law-keeping, becomes salvation's condition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's summary of salvation history to Cornelius and his gathered household. While Peter preached, 'the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard' (v.44), preempting Peter's likely call for faith and baptism. This unsolicited Spirit outpouring on Gentiles paralleled Pentecost (v.47, 11:15), proving God accepted them without Jewish conversion. The Jewish believers present were 'astonished' (v.45).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do 'all the prophets' testify to Christ in ways you haven't fully appreciated?
  2. What does 'whosoever believeth' teach about salvation's availability versus human religious qualifications?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τούτῳ1 of 17

To him

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

πάντα2 of 17

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ3 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφῆται4 of 17

the prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

μαρτυροῦσιν5 of 17

give

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

ἄφεσιν6 of 17

remission

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon

ἁμαρτιῶν7 of 17

of sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

λαβεῖν8 of 17

shall receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

διὰ9 of 17

that through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ10 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματος11 of 17

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτόν12 of 17

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάντα13 of 17

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὸν14 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστεύοντα15 of 17

believeth

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς16 of 17

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτόν17 of 17

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 10:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 10:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study